How Do I Leave?

I have been involved with a man for 12 years now. He was married for 10 of those years and is now divorced. We still have sexual relations but he will not give me a commitment. Even though I revolve my entire life around him I am very emotionally distraught. I cry all day long and wonder where he is and who else he is being intimate with. I’ve shut out everything in my life and can’t move on. My only hope to survive is to leave this man. So my question is, “How do you face reality that this man will never love you and how do you move on without falling into a deep depression?”

This Disclaimer applies to the Answer Below

Dr. Dombeck responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.

Dr. Dombeck intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).

Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.

No correspondence takes place.

No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Dombeck to people submitting questions.

Dr. Dombeck, Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Dombeck and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.

Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.

Answer:

Sometimes people’s heads and hearts want different things. It would appear that your head recognizes the fundamental inequity of the relationship you’ve found yourself in, even if your heart is still blind to this fact. Your situation does seem like it is very unhealthy for you to remain in. Crying all day and pining for a commitment that has not been reciprocated for over a decade is just no way to live. In this case you are likely best off helping your head override your foolishly loyal heart and to make a break from this man. In making this break, you recognize that you are likely to become depressed. Don’t be afraid of this depression. Instead, recognize that the depressed feeling is something to get through as you make a new, healthier life for yourself. You love this guy (even if he doesn’t love you), and you will also likely be grieving. Actively prepare for your depression. Visit your physician and see if she won’t prescribe some antidepressant medication that could help take the edge off. Get involved in a support group for bereaved persons. Make an appointment with a therapist and see him or her to monitor your depression and for support on a regular basis. Schedule your free time so that you are with people or doing activities. Get involved in a worthwhile community group (teach people to read, volunteer at a soup kitchen or at a women’s shelter, etc.) If you become suicidal, take charge of this feeling by telling others (therapists, family, close friends, 911 if necessary), and working to keep these feelings as just feelings and not plans to follow through on. This man has been a center of your life, but he doesn’t need to continue to be your center. You can grow a new, healthier center by ditching him and working to recognize yourself as the worthwhile human being you are.

How Our Helpline Works

For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, the MentalHelp.net helpline is a private and convenient solution.

Calls to any general helpline (non-facility specific 1-8XX numbers) for your visit will be answered by American Addiction Centers (AAC).

We are standing by 24/7 to discuss your treatment options. Our representatives work solely for AAC and will discuss whether an AAC facility may be an option for you.

Our helpline is offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. Neither MentalHelp.net nor AAC receives any commission or other fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor may ultimately choose.

For more information on AAC’s commitment to ethical marketing and treatment practices, or to learn more about how to select a treatment provider, visit our About AAC page.

If you wish to explore additional treatment options or connect with a specific rehab center, you can browse top-rated listings or visit SAMHSA.

Wait, did you know that...

Many addiction experts suggest that by removing yourself from your
typical environment, and your “triggers”, it becomes easier to get
and stay sober.
With that in mind, would you like to learn about
some of the best options for treatment in the country?